Restasis and other eye drops

[georgygirl]

When using Restasis, should you use other drops too if needed?  Thank you.

[John C Hagan]

To Kg17  "no"   Read the recent posts about Restasis. Inflammation is often not visible even with the microscope but biochemical studies of tear osmolality and chemical composition indicate that inflammation is almost always a component of dry eyes.

JCH III MD

[georgygirl]

Thanks so much for all the wonderful information.  georgygirl

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Studies done on restasis and on the whole dry eye mechanism increasingly implicate inflammation as a more or less constant component of dry eye syndrome.  

So I don't think it can be said that Restasis would not help you even if your eye looks totally white and uninflamed. You might call the Eye MD staff and tell them you understand it might not help you but you would like to try it.  If he's got his/her heels dug in then consult another Eye MD.

The company that makes Restasis right now is having a promotion so that the first two monthos of therapy is more or less free. You should ask the Eye MD for a starter kit that has a months free medication and a special prescription from the company that has a sticker on the back that allows the first Rx to be filled at the company expense. you do need to enroll in a company sponsored program to monitor your response to the medication.

JCH III MD

[kg17]

I have dry eye.  Went to Opthamologist for prescription of Restatis but he said that it would not help me because I have no signs of inflammation.  Would a trial of Restasis be contraindicated without presence of inflammation but symptoms of dry eye?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

When you first start Restasis it sometimes stings a great deal. In that case steroid drops are often used to stop the sting and "jump start" the onset of action.  Restasis does not start working for 2 months and may continue to get better and better for up to 6 months. If you stop it the effect wears off.

Most people still need to use lubricating drops, gels or ointments only just not as much and they work better.

So the answer is "yes".

JCH III MD